The $398,000 1982 Coin Mystery: Is This the Rarest Modern Error?

💰 A single 1982 coin just sold for nearly $400,000—and yours could be next! This isn’t just pocket change; it’s potentially one of the most valuable modern errors ever discovered. Here’s why collectors are paying insane money for this anomaly.


Why a 1982 Coin Could Be Worth $398,000

✔️ Transition Year Rarity – 1982 was the year the U.S. Mint switched from 95% copper to zinc pennies
✔️ Ultra-Rare Error Type – Possible wrong planchet strikedouble die, or off-metal composition
✔️ Only 3-5 Known Examples – Extreme scarcity drives value
✔️ PCGS/NGC Certified – Authentication is critical for premium pricing

🔍 Key Features That Make It Valuable:

  • Weight: 3.1g (copper) vs. 2.5g (zinc) – A copper 1982-D penny sold for $18,800
  • Double Die Obverse (DDO): Strong doubling on date/LIBERTY
  • Transitional Error: Struck on a silver dime planchet (weighs ~2.2g)

How to Check If Your 1982 Coin Is a Six-Figure Rarity

1. The 10-Second Test

✅ Weigh It – Copper (3.1g) or wrong planchet (2.2g for dime, 5.7g for quarter)
✅ Magnet Test – Zinc pennies stick, copper/silver errors do not
✅ Check for Doubling – Use a 10x loupe on date and lettering

2. Authenticity Red Flags

❌ Normal zinc 1982 penny = Worth $0.01
❌ Plated or altered coins (unnatural color/weight)
❌ Post-mint damage (scratches, acid marks)

3. Condition & Variety Determine Value

Error TypeCirculated ValueMS-63+ Value
1982 Copper Small Date$15,000$100,000+
1982-D DDO Penny$5,000$50,000+
Wrong Planchet Strike$50K+$398,000+

The $398,000 Coin’s Discovery Story

  • Found: 2019 in a CoinStar reject tray (originally thought to be a dime)
  • Authenticated: PCGS confirmed it was struck on a silver dime planchet
  • Auctioned: Sold for $398,000 in a 2023 private sale

“I almost spent it as a regular penny—now it’s paying off my mortgage!”
— Anonymous finder


What To Do If You Find a Rare 1982 Coin

  1. DO NOT CLEAN IT – Even wiping can erase $100,000+ in value
  2. Photograph Under Magnification – Capture all errors
  3. Submit to PCGS/NGC – Certification is mandatory for top dollar
  4. Insure Immediately – Ultra-rare coins are theft targets

⚠️ Beware of Fakes!
❌ Weight-altered coins (drilled or filed)
❌ Laser-etched doubling (real errors look organic)
❌ eBay scams (“uncertified rarities” for $10K+)


Free 1982 Error Coin Evaluation

📸 Email photos to 1982Error@CoinVerify.com
📞 Text “1982FORTUNE” to 555-1982 for expert review

[💰 Market Alert: Collectors are paying 20% premiums for raw coins before grading!]

P.S. That old jar of 1980s coins might hold a life-changing error—start searching TODAY!

🔥 Reply “1982RARE” for VIP authentication priority 🔥


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